Man United line up three defenders after missing out on Arsenal star, including Chelsea target

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has identified three main targets to sign in defence after missing out to Barcelona on the signing of Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen, according to CaughtOffside.

The Red Devils have been chasing new signings at the back for much of the summer after seeing experienced pair Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic both leave Old Trafford, but have been unsuccessful so far in bringing in any of their targets.

Vermaelen looks to be the latest to get away as he closes in on a £15m move to Barcelona after five years at the Emirates Stadium, in a move which should see the Catalan giants solve their own problems at the back.

With both clubs largely after the same players for much of this summer, this signing could at least free up van Gaal to pursue a defensive signing with relative ease, with these three believed to be his biggest priorities…